Startup competitions: short pitch, firm deadline, real stakes
A competition rewards a pitch and demonstrable execution, on a tight deadline. Well prepared, it means visibility, network, and sometimes non-dilutive funding.
What wins (or loses)
Juries see many projects. They reward clarity and proof, not emphasis.
- A sharp problem and a number.
- A demonstrable solution, even at small scale.
- A credible team and traction, however modest.
- A clear ask: what the prize is for.
Prepare without spreading thin
A tight pitch deck, a one-pager matching the brief, and prepared answers to the hard questions (model, risk, competition). Follow the required format to the letter.
GIAN for a competition
The diagnostic gives you the substance (problem, impact, feasibility) and the Scout spots relevant, open competitions. You arrive with a coherent file rather than one improvised the night before.